Nepal Highlights

Bara, Parsa and Rautahat districts, which were closed since Thursday morning in protest of killing of three Maoist cadres, have opened few minutes ago after the local administration agreed to fulfil the demands of the agitators. Bhojpura Rajya Samiti of the Unified CPN (Maoist) had closed transporation, market, factories, educational institutions and offices in the three districts from yesterday morning after three of their leaders were shot dead and two others injured by unidentified gunment Wednesday night. Transportation has resumed and markets have started to open after the Maoists lifted the strike after the administration agreed to fulfill their 7-point demands. They had demanded the deceased be declared martyrs, compensation to the family and treatment of the injured among others. 

A major fire has broken out in Shyaulibang of Pyuthan. The place is the same where an underground armed outfit had attacked the police post killing one policeman on duty and looted some weapons few months ago. Initial reports say, the fire started at about 2.30 pm, this afternoon and has already gutted about three dozen houses. The cause of the fire is not known. Fire has started simultaneously in three wards - 5, 6 and 7 of Shyaulibang. Police from Shyaulibang post and neigboring posts have been deployed to curb the fire. Shyaulibang is a hamlet in Pyuthan-Baglung border and is at least 8 hours walk from Pyuthan district headquarter. Details to follow.